Inspiration for an expansive traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island and brown floor.

Mid Century Modern Meets 2020

Fox Interiors

Inspiration for a mid-sized midcentury u-shaped separate kitchen in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, cement tiles, no island, grey floor and black benchtop.

South Long Springs Butte Kitchen

TVL Creative Ltd.

This kitchen took a tired, 80’s builder kitchen and revamped it into a personalized gathering space for our wonderful client. The existing space was split up by the dated configuration of eat-in kitchen table area to one side and cramped workspace on the other. It didn’t just under-serve our client’s needs; it flat out discouraged them from using the space. Our client desired an open kitchen with a central gathering space where family and friends could connect. To open things up, we removed the half wall separating the kitchen from the dining room and the wall that blocked sight lines to the family room and created a narrow hallway to the kitchen. The old oak cabinets weren't maximizing storage and were dated and dark. We used Waypoint Living Spaces cabinets in linen white to brighten up the room. On the east wall, we created a hutch-like stack that features an appliance garage that keeps often used countertop appliance on hand but out of sight. The hutch also acts as a transition from the cooking zone to the coffee and wine area. We eliminated the north window that looked onto the entry walkway and activated this wall as storage with refrigerator enclosure and pantry. We opted to leave the east window as-is and incorporated it into the new kitchen layout by creating a window well for growing plants and herbs. The countertops are Pental Quartz in Carrara. The sleek cabinet hardware is from our friends at Amerock in a gorgeous satin champagne bronze. One of the most striking features in the space is the pattern encaustic tile from Tile Shop. The pop of blue in the backsplash adds personality and contrast to the champagne accents. The reclaimed wood cladding surrounding the large east-facing window introduces a quintessential Colorado vibe, and the natural texture balances the crisp white cabinetry and geometric patterned tile. Minimalist modern lighting fixtures from Mitzi by Hudson Valley Lighting provide task lighting over the sink and at the wine/ coffee station. The visual lightness of the sink pendants maintains the openness and visual connection between the kitchen and dining room. Together the elements make for a sophisticated yet casual vibe-- a comfortable chic kitchen. We love the way this space turned out and are so happy that our clients now have such a bright and welcoming gathering space as the heart of their home!

San Juan Capistrano

McRae Lambert Dunn

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, with island, white benchtop, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and beige floor.

Mid Century Modern I Bellevue, Washington

Syltebo Wight Homes & Jon Syltebo Painting Company

Inspiration for a large midcentury u-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and with island.

Modern Farmhouse

House Sprucing

Photo of a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, cement tile splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Dupont Circle Rowhouse Addition

Landis Architects | Builders

We completely gutted and renovated this DC rowhouse and added a three-story rear addition and a roof deck. On the main floor the kitchen has cabinetry on both sides and an L-shaped island in the center. A section of mirrored cabinet doors adds drama. A comfortable sitting room off the kitchen is flooded with light from the large windows and full-lite rear door.

Hancock Park Modern Organic Renovation

SHAPESIDE

Contemporary kitchen, concrete floors with light wood cabinetry accents with bold black and white tile backsplash. Kitchen island features seating on two sides.

Menlo Park Farmhouse - Kitchen

Arch Studio, Inc.

Arch Studio, Inc. Architecture & Interiors 2018
Mid-sized transitional u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, white benchtop and beige floor.

Crabtree House

Into interior design

Mid-sized eclectic u-shaped eat-in kitchen in London with an integrated sink, flat-panel cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, cement tile splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Traditional Kitchen with Extras - Norwell, MA

Transitions Kitchens and Baths

This traditional kitchen design is packed with features that will make it the center of this home. The white perimeter kitchen cabinets include glass front upper cabinets with in cabinet lighting. A matching mantel style hood frames the large Wolf oven and range. This is contrasted by the gray island cabinetry topped with a wood countertop. The walk in pantry includes matching cabinetry with plenty of storage space and a custom pantry door. A built in Wolf coffee station, undercounter wine refrigerator, and convection oven make this the perfect space to cook, socialize, or relax with family and friends. Photos by Susan Hagstrom

New home constuction

Amy J. Greving - Artist

This kitchen island is the balance for a contemporary look. I've taken an antique work bench, refurbished it and poured a concrete counter for the top. The concrete although very smooth looks as though I took a chunk from a sidewalk,, polished it, and reused it. I strive to make all my concrete appear natural. Photography by Amy J. Greving

Project Cool Coastal

Amy Fox Interiors

Design ideas for a large beach style u-shaped kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, multiple islands, brown floor and white benchtop.

Galena

Carol Faccinetti Interior Design

Expansive modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, brown floor and grey benchtop.

Union Pier Lakehouse

Devon Grace Interiors

This is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, cement tile splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, grey benchtop, shaker cabinets and beige floor.

Full Kitchen Remodel

HRS BUILD

Full kitchen remodel with u-shaped islands and gray accented cabinetry.
Photo of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Dallas with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, a peninsula, brown floor, white benchtop, a farmhouse sink, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors and solid surface benchtops.

Home Addition - Kitchen

Beterbuilt

This is an example of a mid-sized modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Orange County with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, cement tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Modern Farmhouse

House Sprucing

Design ideas for a large country u-shaped open plan kitchen in Dallas with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite benchtops, grey splashback, cement tile splashback, with island, white benchtop, white appliances, a farmhouse sink, light hardwood floors and beige floor.

Escondido Kitchen Remodel

Lars Remodeling & Design

Do we have your attention now? ?A kitchen with a theme is always fun to design and this colorful Escondido kitchen remodel took it to the next level in the best possible way. Our clients desired a larger kitchen with a Day of the Dead theme - this meant color EVERYWHERE! Cabinets, appliances and even custom powder-coated plumbing fixtures. Every day is a fiesta in this stunning kitchen and our clients couldn't be more pleased. Artistic, hand-painted murals, custom lighting fixtures, an antique-looking stove, and more really bring this entire kitchen together. The huge arched windows allow natural light to flood this space while capturing a gorgeous view. This is by far one of our most creative projects to date and we love that it truly demonstrates that you are only limited by your imagination. Whatever your vision is for your home, we can help bring it to life. What do you think of this colorful kitchen?

Delawyk Modular House

R2 Studio Architects

The kitchen in this remodeled 1960s house is colour-blocked against a blue panelled wall which hides a pantry. White quartz worktop bounces dayight around the kitchen. Geometric splash back adds interest. The encaustic tiles are handmade in Spain. The U-shape of this kitchen creates a "peninsula" which is used daily for preparing food but also doubles as a breakfast bar. Photo: Frederik Rissom

U-shaped Kitchen with Cement Tile Splashback Design Ideas

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to planning your kitchen design. Where do you even start? Gathering some inspiration in a photo gallery is always a good starting point, as looking at different kitchen designs often brings up ideas you haven’t even thought of yet.

Browse Photos of Kitchen Designs for Inspiration and Collect Your Ideas

You can browse through photos of all kinds of kitchen styles, layouts and sizes on Houzz to get started before jumping into any design software or contacting a local professional for help. Here’s a few considerations to keep in mind when planning your kitchen.

1. What Makes a Good Kitchen Design, and Why is it Important?

For starters, you want to find a balance between aesthetics and function. You may have heard of the ‘kitchen work triangle’, which refers to the space between your fridge, sink and stove. You want everything within easy reach when you’re working in the kitchen and look beautiful at the same time. It’s a good idea to take note of both when browsing our photo gallery.

2. Consider Your Space to Determine Your Kitchen Layout

Firstly, consider the space you have, and the limitations that come with it. Do you have a small kitchen and need to maximise your workspace and storage? Can you allow yourself some more space and a big island with seating? Are you designing your kitchen from scratch or renovating an existing design? Which appliances do you already own and what are their measurements? Are there windows you need to take into consideration when planning cabinets? How do kitchen, living and dining areas connect? Depending on your space and needs, you want to use a shape that suits you. U, G, or L-shaped kitchen, with or without island or peninsula? Know your dimensions, plan cabinetry carefully and consider the placement of your appliances. You don’t want to end up with a finished design, only for your significant other to question where the fridge is supposed to go. Consider from the start where your fridge, oven, microwave and sink goes to save yourself from starting again from scratch - remember the kitchen work triangle! You also want to plan the layout of your cabinets. Maybe you’re planning for a pantry and can do with less storage space in your kitchen, so that your design can be one without upper or lower cabinets for a different look. A corner cabinet can be a smart storage solution if you want to keep the look clean and simple.

3. Decide on a Kitchen Style, But Don’t Forget Practicality

You want the style of your kitchen to reflect your personality and taste. We have curated a large array of kitchen styles here at Houzz, from traditional to contemporary to transitional and everything in between. Consider what your cooking style is for a start - Italy is known for its cuisine, so italian kitchen designs are generally popular. Also consider ergonomics - depending on how much time you spend in your kitchen, the height of your counters can make a big difference to your overall health. You also want to consider colour and finishes of cabinets, countertops and splashbacks. Which colour do you want your cupboards to be? Simple, timeless white or rather making a statement in black? Maybe rather a rustic wood? Also consider the colour of your floor - if you have dark floors, you may want to keep cabinets lighter. You could also go for an all-white look and choose black appliances for contrast. Once you know which style you fancy, don’t forget how you will be using the space. You want to keep cooking in mind, as well as how easy to clean and maintain the space will be. How many cooks do you need to accommodate? Do you have kids around? How much storage do you need? Maybe you want to go for open shelves rather than cabinets and allow for easy reach of key items you use when cooking. Again - remember the triangle! Lastly, choose lighting that both enhances the look of your kitchen as well as your cooking performance, providing light in all the right places.

4. Be Conscious of Your Budget

No matter what you plan for your kitchen design, cost is always a big factor. Be sure to plan with your budget in mind. It may make more sense to go for a modular kitchen design rather than custom build. You can save a lot of money if you get at least 3 estimates from professionals before locking in the job. And don’t forget to allow a 20% buffer for emergencies. Once you are ready to hire a pro, our directory will help you find one, no matter where you are. So whether you're looking for an Interior Designer in Melbourne or an Architect in Sydney, you can be sure to find a qualified expert for the job!